ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEM Yousef Awwad, CPA Deputy Superintendent Operations Karla Soto Chief Financial Officer Delivering Excellence in Education Every Day Grow Reach Succeed
Agenda Introduction to ERP Systems Effective ERP System Characteristics ERP Selection Process Recommendations
What is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system?
An ERP manages all district operations and processes in a comprehensive system
Existing TUSD ERP System Demographic Data Systems Blue Bear School Accounting System SIGMA Human Resources Management System Track-It! IT Help Desk and Asset Management System Teachscape Evaluation System GrantsTracker Grant Management System0 SubFinder System People Soft Lawson MAPCON Maintenance Management System KRONOS Workforce Management System Destiny Textbook Management System SurveyMonkey Online Survey System Altiris IT Management System TrueNorthLogic Professional Learning Portal Arizona Tax Credit Contribution System
Desired TUSD ERP System Financial Resource Management Human Resource Management ERP School Resource Management Facilities Resource Management
What is the need for change? According to Finance staff: Inability to respond accurately to public requests for information. Inability to encumber payroll. No budget control for purchases.
What is the need for change? According to Human Resources staff: Inability to pull employee records, primarily salary information. Cannot future date contracts. Cannot pull data for USP reporting.
What is the need for change? According to Technology Services staff: Inability to implement role-based security for systems. Managing two out of support ERP systems is difficult. We need the financial and personnel systems integrated
What is the need for change? According to Instructional staff: Can t get needed information Can t track progress of PAF/RAF s Everything takes a long time to get done
What is the need for change? According to Audit Committee and Governing Board: Currently your district currently operates with two systems, neither of them does everything. That has created a whole host of problems. For the last several years the issue has been 'being' studied. We want to encourage you now that the efficiency audit has taken place... and will be reported to the governing board... to make it a priority to resolve this issue. For example, this district operates a budget in excess of $300,000,000 a year and does not get monthly financial reports on how you are executing your expenditures versus your budget. The latest data available to the Audit Committee is dated November. We think it is a very unsound practice to continue to operate without monthly up to date financial reports. Bob O Toole, Chairman, Audit Committee There is no more pressing issue for the district, that operating as we are comes close to crisis from the viewpoint of internal control. Dr. Mark Stegeman, Governing Board Member
Characteristics of a Good ERP System Provides a comprehensive solution to meet client needs (K-12, public sector) Enables high levels of integration across business functions Data is shared amongst various departments from a single data input process Drives extensive business transformation and change management efforts Easily imports and exports data Capable of interfacing with other systems Cost effective / no upgrade costs
ERP Implementation Benefits Streamlines or eliminates inefficient manual processes Eliminates the need to maintain or reconcile data across departments or systems Minimizes and/or eliminates unnecessary stand-alone systems Provides integrated, district-wide common tools, processes and systems without the need for client upkeep Integrates and increases control of financial budgeting, planning, management and reporting processes Reduces costs, maximizes efficiency, improves performance and provide better customer service
Why ERP Systems Fail Heavy customization to accommodate legacy processes rather than adjust to best practices and use the system as-is (Vanilla) Lack of governance or attention from the top Implanting the core system and disregarding other features and models that yield efficiency Lack of upgrades and maintenance Lack of attention to change management and training
Lessons Learned TUSD did not conduct a needs assessment Business processes were not re-engineered Lack of Organization Change Management Strategy District Data Integration needs not evaluated Customized PeopleSoft to accommodate district processes rather than adjust the district processes to best practices Ineffective Project Management
ERP Vendor Considerations Vendor commitment to client needs public sector, K-12 oriented Successful ERP implementation track record Use of structured ERP implementation process and project management Provides software upgrades at no cost or burden on their clients Ability to address client unique needs Established relationships, and client satisfaction/retention rates Ongoing customer support / training
ERP System Selection Process Create Decision-Making Framework 1 Analyze Processes 2. Determine Requirements 3. Research and Evaluate Relevant Systems 4. Check References 5. Conduct Demonstrations 6. Finalize Selection 7.
1. Create Decision-Making Framework The following framework has been established: Produce an objective evaluation considering all factors of IT and Business Services to choose the best Enterprise system to meet TUSD needs. Gather information from district stakeholders with the intention of eliminating bias, understanding current challenges, and capturing future strategic needs. Learn from past mistakes and unproductive decisions to ensure that TUSD does not repeat the same mistakes in this evaluation or subsequent implementation. Procure a new ERP to automate the district s manual processes that are outdated, inefficient and heavily customized in PeopleSoft and Lawson. Reduce dependency on highly paid technical staff to support a customizable ERP not designed for K-12 organizations.
2. Analyze Processes Existing Processes: Current systems are not used optimally Business processes are paper-based and unwieldy Current system cannot automate necessary approvals Each department is a silo of information Tracking spreadsheets and databases are inefficient and redundant Staff time and labor is used in place of strategic process Lack of functional expertise in PeopleSoft and Lawson Identified 15 business processes that will require changes in the Employee Agreements to ensure effective implementation of re-engineered processes
3. Determine Requirements The following requirements have been established: Need to utilize standard ERP modules from a system designed for K-12 organizations to satisfy TUSD s business needs Need a system that will stay current with the changes in the K-12 industry Need a system that allows for more efficient processing and eliminates redundant data entry
3. Determine Requirements Successful ERP Implementation Requirements Pick the right product to meet the institution s needs and compliance requirements Utilize Professional Project Management Analyze current workflow and develop an upgraded workflow and business process within the new ERP environment Define scope of work, workload, data input and interface requirements Maintain skilled, full time staff that is committed to the success of the ERP implementation Clearly define the responsibilities of all system users Maintain ongoing communication Utilize a phased implementation approach Develop realistic timelines and measurable goals, including cost efficiency Provide job-specific end user training Maintain a resolution driven environment Commitment at all levels (Leadership, staff, community) Continue post-implementation support / reinforcement of processes, training Celebrate Success!
4. Research and Evaluate Relevant Systems Prior RFP processes have not been successful, therefore, a careful evaluation of five options has been completed: Year 1 Year 2 10 Year Total Lawson $7,020,377 $2,995,963 $19,656,509 PeopleSoft $8,563,086 $1,833,581 $19,174,081 Tyler Munis $7,937,840 $2,307,689 $15,671,665 Tyler Infinite Visions $1,763,393 $310,368 $4,612,571 Outsourcing $7,909,435 $1,674,479 $26,378,985
5. Check References Site visits and conference calls to other school districts for each ERP were conducted: Spring 2014 Las Cruces Public Schools (NM) Tyler Infinite Visions Deer Valley Unified School District (AZ) Tyler Infinite Visions Northwest Regional Education District (OR) Conference Call Tyler Infinite Visions Spring 2013 Pasadena Independent School District (TX) Lawson Jefferson County Public Schools (CO) PeopleSoft Indianapolis Public School (IN) Tyler Munis Maricopa County (AZ) ADP (HCM) and CGI (Finance & Procurement)
6. Conduct Demonstrations February 13, 2014: On-site demonstration (TUSD Business Operations Staff) April 2, 2014: On-site follow up discussion May 6 and 7, 2014: Users group meetings
Why Infinite Visions? Tyler Infinite Visions finance/personnel management software has specialized in the K-12 school business for 30 years Customer base 93% of Arizona School Districts 197/211 13 County School Superintendent Offices 90% of New Mexico School Districts 80/89 7 Regional Education Centers Approximately 1,100 School Districts Nationwide
Infinite Visions Financial and Personnel Management Integrated Modules Human Resources Accounts Receivable Payroll Grants Management General Ledger Budgeting Warehouse Purchasing & Payables Fixed Assets
General Ledger Core function of the financial system User-defined Chart of Accounts Real-time account balances and transactions Cash receipts, checks, bank account reconciliation Seamless interface with State of Arizona Department of Education Annual Financial Report Forms and file format for electronic uploads Acceptable file format for the Arizona Auditor General s Office G/L data requirement
Budgeting Financial planning tools (budget scenarios, future year budget input) Budget forecasting using next year salary schedule and benefits Position Control and Inventory (FTE counts) Data Import and Export Seamless interface with State of Arizona Department of Education Expenditure Budget Forms and file format for electronic uploads
Purchasing and Payables Maintain expenses within budget with real-time budget checking Electronic approvals for prompt processing Updated current vendor information Ensure procurement compliance by including threshold information and required documents (quotes, receiving reports, invoices).
Human Resources Contract Management Employee Evaluations Employee Benefits & Insurance Tracking Employee History Seamless Interface with the State of Arizona Department of Education School District Employee Report (SDER)
Payroll Payroll Processing using HR integrated information Position/Benefit Encumbrances Salary Schedules Future pay setup Provides several reporting tools/interfaces (ASRS, Worker s Comp, Federal & State)
Grants Management Maintain grant compliance and cash management by tracking all related financial information, budget expenditures and revenues Monitor grant project status and ensure compliance for an unlimited number of multi-year projects and/or grants
Warehouse Internal ordering process to promote efficiency and reduce costs by purchasing in large quantities Automated electronic inventory that is updated when items are purchased, received, shipped, or returned
Accounts Receivable On-demand posting to the General Ledger Maintain receivables up-to-date with invoicing and payment process
Fixed Assets Tracking of general fixed assets, including stewardship items Comprehensive monitoring and reporting including GASB 34 from acquisition to disposal Integrated depreciation schedules Integration with purchasing Module to allow purchased goods to automatically flow into Fixed Assets
Infinite Visions Product Features Automated Workflow Paperless and online approval process, e-mail notification, electronic routing and document storage User defined routing and approval process by account coding, department and dollar thresholds Automated approval routing includes everything from invoice approvals, to leave requests, to budget modifications, personnel action forms, requisitions, PO revisions, etc. This automated function will make the district s staff and processes more efficient by eliminating manual steps and paper processing
Infinite Visions Product Features Security Customized user role set up Allows for separation of duties to strengthen internal controls Password driven electronic signatures Access and change logs Active directory integration Through the Security Module, all designated users are provided with access to the data and functions needed to complete their job responsibilities - no more, no less. An example of this would be HR role-based security to ensure HIPPA compliance
Infinite Visions Product Features Manageable Data Grids Ability to filter, sort and drill down to specific data for analysis Allows for user defined personalized grids Data export to Excel, Word, PDF, HTML, and email Data import from Excel Ability to mass update data by using filters, sorts Reporting Tools More than 400 standard reports Federal and state reporting General Ledger Report Writer Financial statement customization Info-Link Reporting
ivisions Web Portal Employee Self Service Compensation info (payroll earnings, W-2 s, tax forms), profile changes Employee documents (certification, professional development, contract) Attendance (leave balances, requests, view school calendar) Benefits Enrollment Substitute tracking (teachers can see who subbed for them) School Site Electronic Workflow Access Purchasing (requisition input, receiving) General Ledger (real-time reports, budget input & transfers) Payroll (Time card entry, position inventory & assignment) Human Resources (Personnel action requests, hiring approvals, leave requests, etc.) Staff Data (directory, emergency contacts, leave information) Fixed Assets (facilitate inventory process) Receivables (site based cash receipts)
Infinite Visions Third-Party Interfaces Complimentary interfaces are provided for Tyler School Solutions and many other K-12 software applications including: Web-Based Applicant Tracking Substitute Tracking Electronic Timekeeping/Timeclocks e-procurement and Online Bidding Electronic Vendor Payment Barcode (fixed assets, inventory (stewardship, supplies)
Infinite Visions Implementation Services Implementation and Project Management Process Improvement Consulting Training Data Import Installation Services Software and Technical Support
Infinite Visions Product Support / Licensing Toll-free support is available for Infinite Visions clients with a current support agreement Access to SharePoint Portal that includes online resources: software update information, software downloads, how-to videos, training schedules, and Internet support call logging Gold Level Technical Support available to address network or operating systems issues(server, hardware or printer issues), service includes all software updates and two days of on-site technical consulting each year Business Continuity Assurance Program (BCAP) provides nightly backups, offsite secure storage and immediate data recovery or restoration Annual Support Contract includes all software updates and enhancements with no additional upgrade costs
Tyler Schoolmaster is a preferred vendor with the Arizona Department of Education that interfaces with their Student Information Systems. They are currently working on interfacing their Infinite Visions software to facilitate the uploading of teacher-specific data to their STC and HQ portals.
Determine Risks of Delayed Implementation What is at stake if implementation isn t completed by January 2015 and dual systems aren t run for 6 months until FY2015-16? Cannot update other systems until new ERP is implemented Delay implementation for a full year Risk catastrophic system failure Compatibility issues interfacing with other systems Inability to update system for tax code changes and state regulations